TWO of Warrington Wolves’ promising young players have had new long-term contracts confirmed.

Forwards Max Wood and Tom Whitehead – both of whom were coming to the end of their deals but were not included on the list of departees released yesterday – have both penned fresh terms to keep them at The Halliwell Jones Stadium.

Academy graduate Whitehead has signed a two-year extension while Wood, who joined the club during the off-season, has signed on for 12 months longer and is now tied to the club until November 2027. Both contracts contain options in the club’s favour to extend by a further 12 months.

Having impressed Sam Burgess and his coaching staff during a pre-season trial period following his release from Wigan Warriors, Wood has arguably been one of the biggest success stories of Warrington’s season having made 11 appearances in all competitions and moving above the likes of Joe Bullock and the now departed Gil Dudson in the pecking order.

Max Wood has played 11 times for the Wire first team this year (Image: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com) Whitehead’s development has continued this year having made a further five first-team appearances, scoring his first Super League try in the process by touching down against Leeds Rhinos back in July.

He has been in several matchday squads as 18th man this season – a role he has fulfilled 10 times in Super League matches - as well as playing on dual-registration for both Widnes Vikings and North Wales Crusaders.

Whitehead is congratulated after scoring his first Super League try against Leeds in JulyWhitehead is congratulated after scoring his first Super League try against Leeds in July (Image: Neil Ashurst/P&B Pictures) "It’s great to keep two young players with big potentials around for the next few years," Burgess said,

“Tom is a fantastic young player with a smart rugby brain who is going to continue growing his game in the years to come.

“Max has been a great story this year having come in on trial in pre-season last November. He got himself into great shape and has applied himself really well.

“He’s shown what he can do on the field and is a great character to have around the place.”

With half-back Josh Drinkwater’s departure having been confirmed yesterday, this latest news now leaves two members of the first-team squad who are yet to have their futures publicly announced.

Outside backs Jake Thewlis and Wes Bruines are both coming to the end of their contracts, but the club hold 12-month extension options in their favour on both players.